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suitable

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective suitable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suitable are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and proper. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

In what contexts can appropriate take the place of suitable?

The meanings of appropriate and suitable largely overlap; however, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

Where would apt be a reasonable alternative to suitable?

The synonyms apt and suitable are sometimes interchangeable, but apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When could felicitous be used to replace suitable?

In some situations, the words felicitous and suitable are roughly equivalent. However, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than suitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to suitable, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When would fitting be a good substitute for suitable?

While the synonyms fitting and suitable are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

When might happy be a better fit than suitable?

The words happy and suitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of suitable?

The words meet and suitable can be used in similar contexts, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of suitable?

Although the words proper and suitable have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of suitability
Noun
All 18-year-old men will be required to complete an online survey assessing their willingness and suitability for service. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Voir dire is the process through which potential jurors are questioned by either a judge or a lawyer to determine their suitability to serve on a jury, according to the Cornell Law School's online Legal Information Institute. Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
There is no evidence the new beaches will be suitable for the hatchlings. M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025 In its original form, the bill required tech companies to disclose on their platforms that AI chatbots might not be suitable for minors and take steps to reduce addictiveness of their products. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • In January, the City Council voted for a certificate of appropriateness that paved the way for the Tin Shop building to either be relocated or demolished in the future.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Many of these conferences took place at luxury resorts, raising questions about the appropriateness of the venues.
    Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The tax break allows qualified taxpayers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips a year from their tax bills.
    Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • It may be treated as a qualified dividend eligible for a lower tax rate but must pass certain hurdles.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This sweater tank top is appropriate for fall’s crisp weather yet ideal for a warmer day spent outside.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Mop-up and patrol will continue where appropriate to secure and strengthen containment.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Toward commercial use Kepler positions the latest gait upgrade as expanding K2’s applicability in commercial and industrial settings.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The extra point was good but there was a holding penalty on the Rebels.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After 10 tumultuous years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kadri delivered his best campaign with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, posting 89 points in the regular season and finishing by hoisting the Stanley Cup.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That bout was promoted as his return to the ring after a 19-year retirement and was widely regarded as a fitting sendoff.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sinzer, as well wine director Ellis Srubas-Giammanco, also just snagged Michelin’s 2024 New York Sommelier award, making Stars a fitting step on their wine journey.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For decades, studios have tried to capitalize on the financial success and cultural relevance of video games, but it's only been in the past few years that things have clicked.
    Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In a filing on Friday, Lively’s team opposed extending the deposition deadline to accommodate a deposition of Swift, questioning the relevance of her testimony and accusing Baldoni’s lawyers of causing unnecessary delay.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Monday's test was the ninth of the engine built with carbon fiber and capable of producing 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust, more powerful than past models, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Jerome Ford is not a feature back and should be demoted once Judkins proves capable at pass protection and blitz pickups after missing all of training camp.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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